A college student responsible for pouring acid on five bears at the Beijing Zoo at the start of the year could graduate with his university diploma.

Liu Haiyang, 21, shocked China in January and February by pouring caustic soda and sulphuric acid on the animals.

According to lawyer Li Kemin, of the Beijing Ruide Law Office, the possibility of Liu's graduation from Tsinghua University next year with a diploma will be based on performance.

"If Liu Haiyang does no more silly things, he will get the diploma and get graduate smoothly," Li said.

The university has reversed a decision of allowing Liu to graduate school without taking exams as punishment for his actions.

Liu was suspected of attacking the bears between January 29 and February 23. He was put into police custody for questioning until a charge of damaging common property was rejected by the local people's prosecutors' office.

Li said it was rejected because it was improper to count bears as property under China's criminal code.

Liu underwent psychological testing after the string of attacks, but the results have never been revealed to the public, the lawyer said.

Liu has since completed his final thesis and other examinations necessary for graduation.

The Xicheng District prosecutors are still investigating the case.

Liu's story was widely reported by the local media at the time and although he was criticized for the cruel acts, others gave him an opportunity to put the incident behind him.

(China Daily August 1, 2002)